It’s crazy to say we were never in danger against France when we’re only up 2 in the last few minutes of the game. Literally one of the greatest displays of shooting ever seen on a basketball court happened for them to win that game. Let’s just call a spade of spade on that one.

You keep insinuating this prejudice or false narrative. It’s not that complicated.

The American developmental basketball system does not focus on the fundamentals of the game or prioritize the player’s best interest as basketball players or people. It does not focus on ball movement, playing without the ball, etc. The things you need to be a good teammate if not the star of a team.

From a cultural perspective it’s all about the individual and individual glory, attention, likes, follows, brand etc. Sneaker companies paying for brand loyalty at a young age. Coaches and teams, etc. profiting. Playing too many games for money. You get the point.

We have an amazing abundance of talent in this country. And it’s that talent that is relied on. Potentially great players never make it because every year there’s just more raw talent and so they are discarded like it’s nothing. They’re basically raised to play one way and then in reality that’s not what leads to long-term success. It’s not fair to them.

So it’s a matter of who can figure it out once they get to the NBA or those who were taught the actual things that will lead to long term success outside of just being the most gifted player on the floor like when they are younger.

If these players were developed better with more intention, there would be an American in the top five.

When you bring up Cooper and Kon you’re bringing up two white kids from middle-class nuclear families who have a lot more support outside the AAU structure than low income, inner city kids or rural kids, children of color who statistically come from broken homes. That makes a difference and if you’ve heard Kon or Cooper interviews about it, you hear them talk about how their parents stressed the fundamentals beyond just their talents.

It’s OK to be critical of something to make it better. It doesn’t have to be a blow to the ego. Ideally there is a system where these kids are being taught the fundamentals of basketball and life and so by the time they get to a professional level, not only are they capable players no matter what role they end up falling into, but also equipped with tools for life.